Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty is seeking formal opposition to Massachusetts’ proposed repeal of recreational marijuana sales, with the City Council scheduled to vote Tuesday, October 20, on a resolution urging residents to reject Question 8 in November.
The resolution, listed as Item 10a on the council’s official agenda, calls for Worcester to publicly oppose the ballot initiative and encourage voters throughout Massachusetts to vote no on November 3. Petty argues that eliminating the state’s regulated recreational marijuana market would jeopardize thousands of jobs, threaten small businesses and reduce revenue for municipalities.
In his proposal, Petty points to Massachusetts’ marijuana industry generating more than $1.6 billion in annual sales, supporting employment across retail, cultivation, manufacturing, transportation, security and other sectors. The resolution warns that repealing recreational sales would also disrupt existing business relationships and put investments made under state and local regulations at risk.
A central concern is the potential impact on locally owned marijuana businesses, including those operated by women, veterans, people of color and entrepreneurs from communities disproportionately affected by previous marijuana enforcement policies. Petty’s resolution argues that closing these businesses would undermine the state’s economic empowerment and social equity efforts.
The mayor also raises concerns about marijuana sales returning to the unregulated market. The proposal states that ending legal retail sales would not eliminate consumer demand, potentially directing purchases toward sellers operating without product testing, age verification or municipal oversight.
Massachusetts’ official 2026 voter information guide estimates that recreational marijuana taxes generated approximately $280 million for the state and $50 million for local governments during fiscal year 2025. Those revenue streams would be reduced if Question 8 passes.
Question 8 would eliminate the state’s legal recreational marijuana retail system while preserving medical marijuana access and allowing adults 21 and older to possess up to one ounce without penalty. Possession of more than one ounce but no more than two ounces would carry a $100 civil fine. If approved, the changes would take effect January 1, 2028.
Petty’s resolution emphasizes that opposing Question 8 does not mean endorsing marijuana consumption. Instead, it argues that Massachusetts should strengthen existing consumer protections and public health standards rather than eliminate the regulated recreational industry.
The Worcester City Council is scheduled to meet Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Approval of the resolution would put Massachusetts’ second-largest city officially on record against Question 8, two weeks before voters decide the measure in the November 3 election.
